Coastal Adolescent Empowerment for Reproductive Health and Early Marriage Prevention

Rahman, R.; Majid, R.; Sabilu, Yusuf; Suhadi, S.; Kalza, L.A.; Ahmad Saktiansyah, L.O.; Dewi, S.T.

doi:10.58209/hehp.14.2.205

Coastal Adolescent Empowerment for Reproductive Health and Early Marriage Prevention

Document Type : Descriptive & Survey

Authors

R. Rahman

R. Majid

Yusuf Sabilu

S. Suhadi

L.A. Kalza

L.O. Ahmad Saktiansyah

S.T. Dewi

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia

10.58209/hehp.14.2.205

Abstract

Aims: Adolescents in coastal areas face heightened risks of early marriage and unintended pregnancy, attributed to limited access to reproductive health care and enduring socio-cultural norms. This study aimed to examine the impact of empowering coastal adolescents through youth Posyandu on the prevention of early marriage and unwanted pregnancy by assessing the roles of reproductive health knowledge and attitudes within integrated health post programs in coastal communities.
Instrument & Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 210 teenagers selected through proportionate random sampling. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was employed to examine direct effects, as well as mediating and moderating relationships among knowledge, attitudes, program-supporting and inhibiting factors, youth Posyandu empowerment, early marriage, and unintended pregnancy.
Findings: Program supporters and inhibitors significantly influenced unintended pregnancy (t=2.881; p=0.004). Knowledge positively affected unintended pregnancy (t=6.644; p<0.001) and youth Posyandu empowerment (t=6.168; p<0.001). Attitudes had a positive effect on unintended pregnancy (t=6.09; p<0.001) but had no significant effect on empowerment (t=0.479; p=0.632). Empowerment significantly reduced unintended pregnancy (t=2.566; p=0.01). Empowerment partially mediated the effect of Knowledge on early marriage and unintended pregnancy (indirect effect=-0.061; p=0.035), whereas attitudes had no mediating role. Program characteristics did not moderate the impact of empowerment on unintended pregnancy (t=0.227; p=0.82).
Conclusion: Enhancing adolescents’ understanding and empowering Youth Posyandu are critical strategies to prevent early marriage and unintended pregnancy in coastal communities.

Keywords

Teenagers

Prevention

Marriage

Unwanted Pregnancy

Subjects

Family Health Education/Promotion

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